Atlético-MG will not put financial stability at risk to renew Ronaldinho’s contract

The president of Atlético-MG, Alexandre Kalil, has made his affection for Ronaldinho clear but denies that he will do anything financially reckless to keep the 33-year-old at the club.

After spending the holiday period abroad, Kalil has returned to Brazil to try and negotiate a new contract with the Galo star. In an interview with Radio Itatiaia, Kalil outlined the need to approach the matter with economic caution.

“It depends more on whether Ronaldinho wants to stay than if Atlético want him to stay. We will not risk spending five or six years in a weaker position just for the sake of one player, regardless of how much he is worth or how dear he is to me personally. It is a matter that will be handled professionally, as is everything at Atlético,” said the 54-year-old.

The major obstacle in Atlético’s way is Besiktas, who have entered the race for R10’s signature with more vigour than anyone. Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto Assis, has already been seen in Istanbul and rumours in Turkey suggest that he has also taken the 2002 World Cup winner to have a look around the city. The proposed contract is rumoured to be worth €6m a year.